Talanoa Treks and NatureFiji-MareqetiViti partner to connect visitors to Fiji’s rich cultural heritage and natural environment

Talanoa Treks is celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2023. As a small, social enterprise, specialising in multi-day hikes, Talanoa Treks was developed in partnership with interior communities to offer visitors the chance to gain an insight into Fiji’s rich natural and cultural heritage and a way to complement Fiji’s wonderful coastal experiences. Their new ‘Highland Escape’ provides a 3 day / 2 night experience in the centre of Viti Levu, in an area steeped in history. 

A long-term corporate member of NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, Talanoa Treks has expanded its partnership with the Fijian conservation organisation, by working with a NatureFiji-MareqetiViti team member to lead their Highland Escape and Intrepid Travel trips. This ensures that visitors are not only immersed in nature and culture for three days but have a Fijian conservation expert lead their group, enabling them to learn about the importance of Fiji’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the threats they face. 

“We know how important being immersed in nature and being active is to our own mental health, so Talanoa Treks was created with those things in mind. It has been encouraging to see the market shift in this direction over the years – to a greater number of responsible visitors, keen to ensure that respect for the environment and culture is a core part of their holiday planning”, shared Matt Capper, one of Talanoa Treks’ co-founders. 

An increasing number of travellers are looking for ways to get off the beaten track, away from the crowds and experience a destination in a different way. In Fiji, that means experiencing the interior, – the peaks, forests, rivers and waterfalls, and the rich culture and traditional knowledge that interior communities are guardians of. 

“Nature is incredible and we often don’t acknowledge or appreciate how important it is for our wellness – as an experience, but also as a wonderful provider of so many services that keep us healthy – clean water, air, rich soil, nutritious food. Our partnership with Talanoa Treks allows our team to spend more time working with interior communities that are the stewards of important areas and to support them in restoring sustainable agricultural and land management practices. We believe that tourism businesses can’t provide guests with experiences that improve their wellbeing unless we are also acting with kindness in protecting the planet that provides them”, shared Nunia Moko, Executive Director of NatureFiji-MareqetiViti. 

The Highland Escape will be launched on May 27th and is available for monthly departures for individuals, couples and small groups. Private bookings for groups (6-12 pax) are available on request for 2023 and 2024. Talanoa Treks also has a partnership with Intrepid Travel to offer visitors the opportunity to combine their hikes with other similar experiences offered by members of the Duavata Sustainable Tourism Collective, of which they are a founding member.

More information can be found at: www.talanoa-treks-fiji.com/highland-escape 

Email: [email protected] 

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Further information about Talanoa Treks’ partners can be found below. 

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti can be found at www.naturefiji.org

Duavata Sustainable Tourism Collective www.duavatasustainabletourism.org Intrepid’s Fiji itinerary is at: www.intrepidtravel.com/en/fiji/fiji-adventure-145754